NASHVILLE -- Eastern Illinois' two-run third proved to be the difference in the ballgame, as the Tennessee State softball team lost a tough one to the Panthers by the score of 4-3 on Friday.

Reina Castillo (14-5) started and took the loss in the circle for Tennessee State (20-14, 10-7 OVC).

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Tigers got the scoring started early, putting one run on the board in the bottom the first inning with the game still scoreless. Tennessee State got an RBI single from Onnika Spencer, scoring Jace Jackson from second base.

The Tigers lost the lead they built in the first, but got back on the board in the fifth trailing 4-1. Tennessee State managed to push across two runs in the inning, which brought the score to 4-3 in favor of the Panthers. The Tigers were unable to get any closer, as neither team scored again in the ballgame.

GAME NOTES

» Tennessee State's highest scoring inning was the fifth, when it pushed two runs across.
» Tennessee State pitchers faced 32 Eastern Illinois hitters in the game, allowing three ground balls and 15 fly balls while striking out three.
» Spencer led the Tigers at the plate, going 1-for-2 with an RBI.
» Eastern Illinois was led offensively by Kendall Grover, who went 1-for-4 with a triple and an RBI.
» Karlie McKenzie led the Panthers pitching staff, throwing three shutout innings.